Man Utd Monitoring £23m Centre-Back
Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, according to TEAMtalk. The 26-year-old Nigerian has been one of the Cottagers’ most reliable performers since joining from Ajax in the summer of 2023, and has made 112 appearances for the club.
Liverpool are reportedly drawing up a four-man list of centre-backs as they plan for life after Virgil van Dijk, according to CaughtOffside.
Who Are Liverpool Considering?
Borussia Dortmund captain Nico Schlotterbeck and Nottingham Forest’s Murillo are said to be the leading options, with Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni and Barcelona’s Jules Koundé also under consideration. Van Dijk’s contract expires at the end of the season, and no extension talks are reported.
Man United Make Early Move
Manchester United have reportedly opened discussions to sign Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri, according to TEAMtalk, putting them ahead of Everton in the chase for the Algeria international.
The 25-year-old impressed at Wolves, where he registered 12 goal contributions in 2024/25, before joining City. Life at the Etihad has proved far less straightforward.
Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly competing for Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, according to TEAMtalk, with both clubs having held talks over a possible deal.
Why Man Utd Need a Striker
United’s options up front are thin. Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to settle in the Premier League and sits on the fringes under Michael Carrick, while Benjamin Sesko is battling a persistent shin problem and is not expected back until January.
Liverpool have reportedly entered the race for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, setting up a transfer battle with Manchester United next year.
Why Liverpool Are Linked With Branthwaite
According to Football Insider, the Reds have joined United in monitoring the 24-year-old, who is said to be valued at £80m. Everton sit 11th in the Premier League, just a point off the European places, yet their standout defender continues to attract interest from bigger clubs.